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Harry Wilson, the 19-year-old youngster who was handed the U23s armband by manager Michael Beale, hopes to earn an opportunity with the first team this season. He’s had a strong start to the season, but he realizes that competition for minutes will be fierce without Liverpool playing in Europe.
“It’s great that he (Klopp) is willing to give the youngsters a chance if you’re playing well and doing well,” he told BBC Wales. “Everything we do we try and mirror the first team. When you’re in there it’s up to you to do well then so if I keep doing well for the U23s, hopefully my chance will come.
“Last season didn’t go as well as I wanted and I missed a large part of the season with injuries. “It was nice to be offered a new contract (in the summer) and now that I’m fit I can show the club the qualities that I’ve got and work my way up to the first team.
“The captaincy is a massive honour for me and added responsibility but one I’m happy to have. “I think I’m a leader in a different way. I’m not going to do it with my mouth on the pitch. Maybe if the team needs a bit of inspiration during the game, I can provide that and push them forward.”
Klopp has shown himself willing to call up those young players he believes have potential. Last season, while dealing with an injury crisis, Klopp gave opportunities to plenty of up-and-coming young players. This season, there are several players, most notably, Ovie Ejaria and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who look to be on the cusp of making a real impact on the first team.
Wilson, on the other hand, doesn’t appear to be on the top of Klopp’s priorities at the moment, though his captaincy and more good performances could see his name enter the conversation as the season progresses.